Cocoa farmers across Ivory Coast are calling for more sunny weather to support the development of the country’s upcoming main cocoa crop, saying below average rainfall and cooler temperatures last week could affect yields if conditions do not improve.
According to Reuters, farmers said soil moisture remains adequate in most cocoa growing regions despite below-average rainfall, giving trees enough water to continue developing over the coming weeks. However, they stressed that more sunshine is needed ahead of the September to February main harvest.
Farmers also warned that timely application of fertilizers and pesticides this month will be critical to protecting cocoa pods, saying failure to treat plantations could result in fruit loss and lower production.
In the western region of Soubré, where rainfall was significantly below the seasonal average, farmers reported that cocoa trees remain in good condition but said prolonged cool weather could slow development. Similar conditions were reported in Agboville, Divo and Abengourou, where growers said large numbers of cocoa pods were continuing to develop.
Farmers said harvesting is expected to become more active from mid October through December if weather conditions remain favourable. However, growers in Daloa, Bongouanou and Yamoussoukro cautioned that excessive rainfall in September could increase the risk of fungal diseases and damage the crop.
Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, is currently in its rainy season, which typically lasts from April to mid November. Weekly temperatures across cocoa growing regions ranged between 24.4°C and 27.4°C, according to farmers.
Leave a comment